My thoughts are tuned to spring. For me the bliss of spring cannot be held at bay by snow shovels or any other seasonal loser, like the lawnmower.

     Should you believe that either of these devices-the shovel or the lawnmower-give you bliss, I hope it is a misdiagnosis. If not, I feel sorry for you. Remember, though, it is not too late to get a second opinion. For me, spring bliss is not only the transition from winter to spring, but the uselessness of these two devices for at least a month. Now that I have been able to walk outside on unseasonably mild mornings, I am confident the days ahead will most assuredly not be interrupted by mowers or snow shovels.

     In Scripture there is the story of a rich young man who asks Jesus what he has to do to receive eternal life. Jesus' first answer is to "follow the commandments", but the rich young ruler persists in asking, "What else? There must be more."

     At which point Jesus says, "Sell everything you own, give the proceeds to the poor, and follow me."

It is interesting to note throughout the gospel of Mark others have come to Jesus for help. Some have been sick, others dying. All were asked to follow Jesus and all did so willingly. This rich young man is the only one who turned Jesus away.

     How easy it would be if Jesus appeared on my doorstep and said, "Sell all your snow shovels and lawnmowers; follow me and receive eternal life."

     I can't picture myself saying what the rich man said about the commandments, "Teacher that is too easy, what else?"

     No, I would close the door and laugh with glee and feel so fortunate I had escaped having to do anything remotely serious. This is what bothers me about the rich man story. He asked, "What else?"

I don't think I am alone in wanting the easy way out. Christians put a lot of emphasis on giving. We slap ourselves on the back for all the good deeds we do. Look at us, look at all we do.

     I would have wanted to tell everybody that Jesus had dropped by the house, but telling too many people might have resulted in Him returning and giving me a new "give up" assignment. I wouldn't want to press my luck.

     I don't believe I am alone in saying that, unlike the rich man, few of us would ask, "What else?" We would be afraid we would have to give up something important. For the rich man it happened to be money. I think Jesus is okay with any of us being rich, but sad when the riches get in the way of our life.